Pittsburgh Priest Placed On Leave Following Allegation Of Abuse With Minor

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Rev. Joseph Reschick, 67, has been the longtime pastor of St. Rosalia Parish in the city’s Greenfield neighborhood.

Father Joseph Reschick (Photo Courtesy of The Diocese of Pittsburgh)

On Saturday evening, the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese announced that Fr. Reschick has been relieved of his priestly duties, which means, among other things, he cannot celebrate the sacraments, and he’s been placed on administrative leave by Bishop David Zubik.

Diocesan spokesman Rev. Nicolas Vaskov told KDKA TV News that “an allegation has been made to the Diocese against Fr. Reschick, and, as is our procedure, we respond by putting him on administrative leave while it is turned over to the proper authorities, in this case, the Allegheny County District Attorney for them to investigate.”

The allegation in question involves abuse of a minor. And, the diocese says this is the first time it has received a complaint about the prominent St. Rosalia priest which involves a minor.

The DA’s office will now review the case, but, since it dates back to the mid-1980’s, the statute of limitations has long since expired.

A Diocesan independent review board will then look into the charge of wrongdoing, and hear from the accuser, and Fr. Reschick, who has denied doing anything improper.